Frenectomy for Tongue, Lip, & Buccal Ties in Richmond, TX
At Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Appareddy offers precise and compassionate frenectomy care using advanced CO₂ laser technology. Whether your child is struggling with breastfeeding, speech development, mouth breathing, or oral discomfort, we’re here to help release restrictive tongue, lip, or cheek ties in a safe and supportive environment.
Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry
Richmond, TX 77406 | Dr. Mayuri Appareddy
(832) 271-6114
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What is a Frenum & Why Does It Matter?
A frenum is a small piece of tissue that connects parts of the mouth, such as the tongue to the floor of the mouth, the upper lip to the gums, or the cheeks to the upper jaw. In some children, this tissue can be unusually tight or thick, creating what’s known as a tongue tie, lip tie, or buccal (cheek) tie. These restrictions can affect essential functions like breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, breathing, and even oral hygiene. When these ties interfere with normal development or daily function, a simple procedure called a frenectomy can help restore proper mobility and comfort.
What is Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a quick and gentle procedure used to release a tight or restrictive frenum in the mouth, whether it’s under the tongue, upper lip, or cheeks. At Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Appareddy performs this treatment using a soft-tissue CO₂ laser, which offers a precise, minimally invasive approach with very little discomfort or bleeding. By removing or loosening the tight tissue, a frenectomy helps improve your child’s ability to feed, speak, breathe, and maintain proper oral hygiene.
Did you know?
Up to 10% of newborns are born with a tongue-tie or lip-tie that may affect feeding and oral development. A timely and gentle frenectomy can resolve these issues quickly and painlessly often improving breastfeeding or bottle-feeding within days.
Types of Frenectomies We Perform
At Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Appareddy evaluates and treats a variety of oral restrictions that can affect your child’s ability to eat, speak, or develop properly. We commonly perform three types of frenectomies, each designed to gently release the tissue causing the limitation and restore normal oral function.
Tongue Tie (Lingual Frenectomy)
A tongue tie occurs when the tissue under the tongue (lingual frenum) is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. This can affect breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, and sleep. A lingual frenectomy gently releases the restriction to improve function and mobility.
Lip Tie (Labial Frenectomy)
A lip tie is caused by a thick or tight frenum connecting the upper lip to the gums. It can make breastfeeding difficult, contribute to gaps between teeth, and interfere with oral hygiene. Releasing this tie allows better lip movement and comfort.
Buccal Tie (Cheek Tie or Buccal Frenectomy)
Buccal ties are less common but occur when tight tissue connects the cheeks to the upper gums, possibly affecting feeding or causing tension in the mouth. A buccal frenectomy gently removes the restriction, enhancing oral movement and overall comfort.
Meet Dr. Mayuri Appareddy
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Mayuri Appareddy is a compassionate, board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to providing gentle, personalized care for every child. With years of specialized training in infant and pediatric oral health, she takes a conservative, thoughtful approach to treatment, especially when it comes to tongue, lip, and buccal ties.
Known for her calm, kid-friendly demeanor, Dr. Appareddy is committed to helping children feel safe and understood during every visit. She uses advanced techniques like CO₂ laser frenectomy to ensure minimal discomfort, faster healing, and the best possible outcomes. Whether your child is struggling with feeding, speech, or oral development, you can trust Dr. Appareddy to guide your family with expertise, empathy, and a smile.
Why Choose Us for Frenectomy in Richmond, TX?
At Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how important it is to find a provider who truly understands your child’s needs. That’s why families across Richmond, Sugar Land, Katy, Rosenberg, and beyond trust Dr. Mayuri Appareddy for gentle, expert care when it comes to tongue, lip, and buccal tie treatment. Here’s why parents choose us:
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Mayuri Appareddy brings advanced pediatric training and years of experience treating tongue, lip, and cheek ties in infants and children.
CO₂ Light Scalpel Laser Technology
We use a precise, minimally invasive laser that reduces discomfort, bleeding, and healing time for your child.
Breastfeeding-Friendly Approach
We work closely with nursing families to resolve latch issues, improve feeding, and enhance comfort for both baby and mom.
Trusted by Local Providers
Pediatricians, speech therapists, and lactation consultants across Richmond and beyond refer families to our pediatric dental office with confidence.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
Improved Feeding and Latching
Releasing tongue or lip ties can help infants nurse or bottle-feed more effectively by creating a better seal, reducing air intake, and easing discomfort for both baby and parent.
Enhanced Speech & Oral Function
Frenectomies improve tongue and lip mobility, which can support clearer speech development, better swallowing, and healthier jaw growth as your child matures.
Better Breathing, Sleep & Hygiene
Untreated oral ties can lead to mouth breathing, restless sleep, and difficulty maintaining oral hygiene. A frenectomy can support proper nasal breathing, more restful sleep, and easier brushing/flossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is best for a frenectomy?
Frenectomies can be performed at any age. However, if symptoms are present in infancy or early childhood, early treatment is often recommended to avoid long-term issues with feeding, speech, or jaw development.
Is a frenectomy painful for my child?
Thanks to our advanced CO₂ laser, the procedure is quick, gentle, and causes minimal discomfort. Most children experience little to no bleeding and recover quickly.
How soon will I see results after the procedure?
In some cases, follow-up care with a speech therapist, myofunctional therapist, or lactation consultant may be recommended to retrain oral muscles and maximize the benefits of the procedure.
What is the recovery process like?
Healing typically takes about 3 weeks. Post-op stretching exercises, performed 4 times a day, are critical to prevent the tissue from reattaching and ensure long-term success.
Will my child need therapy after the frenectomy?
In some cases, follow-up care with a speech therapist, myofunctional therapist, or lactation consultant may be recommended to retrain oral muscles and maximize the benefits of the procedure.
Conveniently Located in Richmond, TX for Frenectomy Care
At Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to offer expert frenectomy care right here in the heart of Richmond, TX. Our modern, family-friendly office is easily accessible to families throughout the region, including Sugar Land, Katy, Rosenberg, Stafford, Pecan Grove, and Houston.
Whether you’re coming in for a tongue tie evaluation or follow-up care after a lip or cheek tie release, you’ll find our location easy to reach and our team ready to welcome you. With flexible scheduling and compassionate service, we make it simple for you to get the care your child needs, close to home.
